Drivers should avoid distractions this holiday season

The holidays are times when people tend to have a lot of things going through their thoughts and they might decide that they need to multitask to get everything done. It is important that drivers remember to keep their focus on the road because becoming distracted while driving can lead to car crashes.

There are several different things that can distract a driver. Eating a meal while driving, watching videos, putting on makeup, grooming, talking to other people or adjusting the stereo can all distract a driver. Using a cellphone can also be distracting.

Of all of the issues that can lead to distraction, texting seems to be the most troubling. When you text, you are using cognitive, visual, and manual skills. That can prove to be a deadly combination.

A driver who is texting tends to take his or her eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. That is enough time to drive across an entire football field if the vehicle is going 55 mph. That is akin to driving that entire distance while blindfolded.

When a driver needs to do something that will take his or her attention off of the road, it is necessary to get off of the road. Pull over when it is safe to do so. Nobody deserves to die or get injured because a driver can’t wait to read or respond to a text.

A crash that happens because of a distracted driver could be the first event in a long string of life-altering events for people who are injured in these accidents. Some victims might opt to seek compensation for their injuries.